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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO BY THE RECOGNITION OF THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD (CDEC) GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,023 FOR CHILD CARE STABILIZATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING AND THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXPENDITURE THEREOF.
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Summary and Background Information:
The Parks, Recreation & Golf (PRG) Department recently applied for and received two grants for a total of $12,023 through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). The first grant is a Child Care Stabilization Grant in the amount of $7,023. The second grant is a Capacity Building Grant in the amount of $5,000. This funding is Federal CARES Act funding and must be expended by Sept. 30, 2024.
The Child Care Stabilization Grants were created to help offset existing operational expenses for childcare providers. These funds were critical to steadying the childcare sector and sustaining the early childhood workforce through the pandemic. Providers received additional bonus payments for serving infants, toddlers and children with disabilities, and providing services outside of regular business hours. These grants were available to licensed or CCCAP qualified exempt childcare programs in Colorado that have been in operation before March 11, 2021. The CDEC awarded Child Care Stabilization Grants in 2022 and 2023, however there was still $100,000 remaining in funding in 2024. CDEC put out a call for grants in March in 2024 and PRG Youth Services submitted an application.
The Youth Services Division was awarded $7,023 in Child Care Stabilization Grant funding for the City’s licensed summer camp program. Specifically, the funds will be used to support professional development opportunities for summer camp program staff, and assist with employee recruitment and retention.
The second grant opportunity was Capacity Building Grants, which fund education materials and supplies, health care materials and supplies, technology, furniture, and site infrastructure. These grants help to ensure childcare providers have the resources they need.
The Youth Services Division was awarded $5,000 in Capacity Building Grant funding to purchase new classroom furnishings, as well as educational materials for our indoor and outdoor classroom spaces.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Chad Redin, PRG Director
Staff Member Presenting: Chad Redin, PRG Director
Financial Impact: The total grant funding received was $12,023.
Funding Source: Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Staff Recommendation: Approve Ordinance 2595
Suggested Motion: Approve Ordinance 2595 on first reading